HR Executive Job Description

Before we begin to discuss the job description in detail, we must first make sure that we understand exactly what we mean by an HR executive. A Human Resources Executive leads the HR team in an organization. They are responsible for directing and planning all HR activities and their roles are closely related to the CEO. They help the CEO to keep employees happy and thus ensure low staff turnover and high productivity.

What Does an HR Executive Do?

Part of the HR executive job description includes setting the organization’s human resource strategy, directing the daily activities of the department, and ensuring that the department contributes meaningfully to successful business practices. The HR cycle is generally built around the company structure and what other departments need in order to function optimally.

An HR role at an executive level involves the following:

• They need to stay informed of the latest global developments and trends in their relevant field.
• The HR executive networks with colleagues, other specialists in the field, and external stakeholders.
• They engage with stakeholders and employee representatives and will negotiate where necessary.
• The HR executive directs and leads the human resources department.
• They develop the annual human resources department plan and ensure that the HR plan is delivered.
• They work closely with senior leadership to come up with a strategy for the department that is effective and efficient.
• They must have a deep understanding of the inner workings of the business.

Defining an Efficient HR Strategy through Collaboration with Senior Management

The HR executive forms part of the C-suite team and works to understand what role HR is expected to play in a business. In order to do this effectively, they must understand the growth plans and strategies in place for each department. This often requires excellent analytical skills. Whatever HR strategies are put in place need to support these plans.

HR executives need to know about any plans that impact the growth of the business, revenue, internal structures, etc. 

An HR executive’s responsibilities include the following:

• Overseeing hiring processes.
• Writing and distributing HR policies.
• Overseeing employee compensation programs.
• Seeing that employee morale is kept high.
• Compiling and keeping the employee handbook up to date.
• Various administrative tasks.
• Keeping abreast of legal requirements and training needs for the entire business.

The Development of an Annual HR Plan

Part of the HR executive’s job is to ensure that the annual plan for the department is completed and aligns with the needs of the rest of the business. This plan includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, a spending plan, and a budget for the department. If the executive team approves the plan, the CHRO presents it to the team. They also assign performance criteria, responsibilities, and individual roles to each team member for the year.

Most human resource management executives try to involve their team in the annual planning so that it is easier to get other HR employees to commit to the plan and take ownership of its successful delivery.

Making Sure that the HR Plan is Delivered

The CHRO will oversee the implementation of the plan. A good HR executive makes sure that their team equally contributes to the implementation of the plan. This is accomplished through tracking and excellent communication skills. HR staff presents a monthly report on progress to the CHRO who then present the information to the rest of the C-suite.

Leadership and Direction of the HR Team

One of the primary HR executive responsibilities is the direction and leadership of the HR department. In some large companies, this might require an approach across multiple tiers. It is not uncommon for a human resources management executive to take care of manager development, company and HR policies, hiring processes, compensation and benefits initiatives, and payroll. Information on these elements is reported to the CHRO by administrative employees.

Negotiation with Stakeholders and Employee Representative Institutions

In some cases, an HR executive job description can include negotiations with unions over several different employee matters. This means that a CHRO can benefit from training in negotiation and possessing excellent knowledge related to laws and official regulations regarding HR matters.

Networking

Sometimes a CHRO needs to participate in or even lead networking opportunities with stakeholders or external parties about new development in the HR field. A thorough understanding of the latest trends and expectations is advantageous during these networking initiatives.

CHRO Salary

In the US, a CHRO can expect to earn between $200,000 and $314,000 annually.

Main Salary Difference by CHRO Experience Level

The main difference is pay levels of an HR executive would be related to their experience level.

• Less than 1 year would see around $221,246
• 1 to 4 years can expect around $224,964
• 5 to 9 years might get around $233,145
• 10 to 19 years would get about $251,416
• 20 or more years will see around $259,058

HR Executive Job Description Template

Name of Company is a significant name in our industry and we are looking for a C-level HR executive to help us grow even further.

To qualify, your name must be known in the human resources management industry. You also need extensive experience in the field and a good grasp of the needs of our organization.

The appointed HR executive will report directly to our CEO and will lead our expert HR department as a primary part of our company’s strategic direction.

Human Resource Executive Responsibilities

The HR executive job description for our company will include the following:

• Growing and developing the human resources function.
• Being an external representative of the company.
• Facilitating the process of HR contributions to the company’s financial well-being.
• Contributing to negotiations, discussions, and employee relations.
• Supporting the team to deliver to the best of their abilities.
• Setting the overall human resources strategy.

Required Skill Set for a CHRO

The following qualifications and skills will be in your favor for the HR executive job:

• Being dependable and reliable.
• Having experience leading a team.
• High degree of computer literacy.
• Possessing excellent communication skills.
• Presentation and public speaking skills.
• Having extensive mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Good financial management skills.
• Good strategic planning skills.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a senior manager role in the HR department.
• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Management, or Human Resources.

In Addition to an HR Executive Job Description

While some of what is expected of an HR executive is listed in their job description, there are also some basic duties and responsibilities that are not usually included. This executive oversees various processes in the company and not everything can be listed in an HR executive job description. The expectation is that an HR executive is already aware that these tasks fall under their department and that they are responsible for ensuring that they run smoothly.

One of the highly important responsibilities of the department that might not be explicitly listed in the HR executive job description is overseeing the hiring process. This is quite an involved process and includes an employee’s entire career at the company. From their application to their exit interview. At times, depending on individual roles, a CHRO might need to oversee those conducting exit interviews as well.

The CHRO also ensures that the department is updating HR policies as needed. This often extends to all other company policies as well. All the employees in the company need to be aware of policies and when the company’s HR policies, or indeed general policies change, the department must ensure that everyone is made aware of the change.

The HR executive job can potentially involve the creation of a job brief when a new high-level manager is needed. Finding the right person for such a job is essential, and depending on the level of the job brief, the HR executive may need to conduct hiring processes themselves. The CHRO is also responsible for the integration and training of new employees who join the business.

Ultimately, the health and welfare of all employees are in the hands of the CHRO and their department. The CHRO is held accountable for the success or failure of the department, so dedication and stamina are required for success.